Thursday, December 15, 2011

Christmas Love Story

The Bible tells us that we shouldn’t think of ourselves more highly than we ought, [Romans 12:3 NIV] and encourages, even commands a spirit of humility [Colossians 3:12 NIV]. We are to love God above all things, and our brother/neighbor as ourselves [Luke 10:27 NIV]. We are warned of the pitfalls of pride and arrogance [Proverbs 18:12 NIV].

Jesus demonstrated that right from his humble birth. A child developed in his mother’s womb – fearfully and wonderfully knit together by the hand of God - His earthly peasant parents brought him into a world full of sin and hatred and death. Yet, because of who He was, there was obedience and love and eternal life in Him. Even the heavens and all the angels couldn’t contain themselves. They had to sing, “Glory to God in the highest! Peace and goodwill toward men.” [Luke 2:13-14 NKJV]

And it came to pass in those days [that] a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
- Luke 2:1-7 NKJV

The Christmas story has lost much of its splendor and awe-inspiring qualities as time and a hardened heart shroud the beautiful and simplistic message behind it, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16] “We love him, because he first loved us.” [1John 4:19]


And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” - Luke 2:8-12 NIV

It’s a love story given to us by the Creator of all that is – because He loved.  

May God richly bless you and your family during this time of remembering the Christmas Love Story.
Merry Christmas!


Photo by Tami Collins
Christmas 2010

Photo by Tami Collins

References:
Romans 12:3 NIV For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Colossians 3:12 NIV Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Luke 10:27 NIV He answered: “'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Proverbs 18:12 NIV Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
Luke 2:13-14 NKJV And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Please feel free to pass ~Branded Heart~ along to your friends and family.
I love new friends and your comments!


No comments:

Post a Comment

Thank you for your comment! Hope to see you again soon!